AT THE RED SEA - A POEM

Lately I've felt like I'm in a sort of *holding pattern* – trapped in an anxious and edgy state of mind, feeling all sorts of turbulent emotions, and seeing nowhere to turn and no way to escape.

So, as I was contemplating what to write about this week, I remembered a poem that I had written several years ago.

Ah, the search began.

I ventured down into the pile of unpacked boxes, cache of pack-rat treasures, storage room to look for my notebook full of poetry.

I'm happy to say that I located it right away – (you see, there is a method in my madness!)

I reread the poem, and realized that God once again used the words to speak to my heart, right now, right where I am.

You see, when I wrote the poem I was contemplating a decision.

And I just didn't know which way to turn – what to do, where to go – and I couldn't figure out when and how to do it, if I was even supposed to do it in the first place.

I thought of Moses and the Israelites, standing at the Red Sea.

Looking behind, all they could see was the quickly-approaching armies of Pharaoh.

Scary.Looking ahead, all they could see was the impassable waters of the Red Sea.Daunting.

Here's the scene in Scripture:

"The Egyptians chased after them with all the forces in Pharaoh's army – all his horses and chariots, his charioteers, and his troops. The Egyptians caught up with the people of Israel as they were camped beside the shore…As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the LORD…" (From Exodus 14, NLT)

I can relate.

The sense of impending doom, the panic over the surrounding circumstances, the urgent cry to the Lord…

And the anxious waiting for Him to DO. SOMETHING. NOW.

Of course, we know how the story ends.

God did arrive, He did act, and He saved the Israelites – defeating the Egyptian forces in rather stunning fashion.

But there were *those* moments…

Moments on the shore, when doubts crept in and fear threatened to overtake the bravest of hearts.

Nervous moments of waiting.

I'm not facing a decision today, but I am facing life.

And lately, I have to admit, I've felt like Moses and the Israelites.

Trapped between a Pharaoh of fear and the daunting Red Sea of circumstances.

Waiting for God to show up and DO. SOMETHING. NOW.

So, I share this poem today, and hope that it brings encouragement to you.

For, no matter what we face, the Lord is indeed there with us.Waiting to move…

AT THE RED SEA

Lord, I'm standing
between Pharaoh and the sea,
Wondering, worrying
Do You even see me?

I know You've led me
through troubles in the past,
But why, oh why
can't those victories last?

So here I am
hoping to rejoice,
For all I want
is to hear Your voice.

Just to know
which way to go,
Just for Your presence
within me to grow.

I want my heart
to follow Your will,
But Lord, I cannot
make myself still.

You know all I want
is just to obey,
To do only and everything
that You say.

So I wait for You
to appear at this sea,
To make Yourself known
to come here and calm me.

Speak to me, Lord
show me the way,
Lead me, guide me
hear me as I pray.

Lord, I'm standing
between Pharaoh and the sea,
Wondering, worrying
Do You even see me?

Wait just a moment
What do I hear?
A rumbling, a tumbling
I feel God coming near.

There's an unmistakable
quaking in my heart,
I think the Red Sea
is about to part!

So I stand on the shore
and wait for dry land,
I wait for the arrival
of God's powerful hand.

I wait and I wait
and I wait some more,
And yet I'm still standing
on this daunting seashore.

Oh Lord, I say
as I fall to my knees,
Why aren't You answering
any of my pleas?

Then, miracle of miracles
my face in the sand,
I finally feel
the stirring of God's hand.

Oh yes, there is something
that God wants to move,
it's my desire to control
that He seeks to reprove.

I am the sea
that He wants to part,
The immovable obstacle
is within my heart.

Oh God, I am yielded
once again to Your will,
For You are the only One
who makes my heart still.

So shake me and shape me
for I want to obey,
And rest in the promise
that You know the way.

Lord, I'm standing
between Pharaoh and the sea,
Marveling, grateful
that of course You see me!

When I'm stuckbetween a rock and a hard place,God will lead me.His rod and His staffwill comfort me.And I will find my wayhome.

REMEMBER THE STORY AGAIN...

"They cried out to the LORD, and they said to Moses, 'Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness?...'But Moses told the people, 'Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.'Then the LORD said to Moses, '...Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground. And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites. My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers. When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the LORD!'Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp. The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them. The cloud settled between the Egyptian and Israelite camps. As darkness fell, the cloud turned to fire, lighting up the night....Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the LORD opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!Then the Egyptians – all of Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and charioteers –chased them into the middle of the sea. But just before dawn the LORD looked down on the Egyptian army from the pillar of fire and cloud, and he threw their forces into total confusion. He twisted their chariot wheels, making their chariots difficult to drive. 'Let's get out of here – away from these Israelites!' the Egyptians shouted. 'The LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!'When all the Israelites had reached the other side, the LORD said to Moses, 'Raise your hand over the sea again. Then the waters will rush back and cover the Egyptians and their chariots and charioteers.' So as the sun began to rise, Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the water rushed back into its usual place. The Egyptians tried to escape, but the LORD swept them into the sea. Then the waters returned and covered all the chariots and charioteers – the entire army of Pharaoh. Of all the Egyptians who had chased the Israelites into the sea, not a single one survived.But the people of Israel had walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, as the water stood up like a wall on both sides. That is how the LORD rescued Israel from the hand of the Egyptians that day." (From Exodus 14, NLT)"God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable],A very present and well-proved help in trouble.Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should changeAnd though the mountains be shaken and slip into the heart of the seas,Though its waters roar and foam,Though the mountains tremble at its roaring. God is in the midst of her...she will not be moved;God will help her when the morning dawns.

The Lord of hosts is with us;The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]. 'Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God.I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.'The Lord of hosts is with us;The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]."(From Psalm 46, AMP)"'Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.'" (Isaiah 43:1-3, NLT)"'Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.'" (Isaiah 43:19, KJV)"'Be strong and courageous...It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.'" (Deuteronomy 31:7-8, ESV)"'...[For] lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually – regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:20, AMP)

If you're between *Pharaoh and the sea,* are you letting God move you?

35 comments:

Love this, Sharon! Penetrating words and don't I feel the force of it. I am struggling with panic when I need to trust. Moving forward to a place I do not know, but am compelled to go. Walking blindly, with many obstacles before me and no option for retreat. Will be meditating on the parting of the waters of my heart for the way to be made. It always begins there, doesn't it. Blessings, friend!Joy!Kathy

Thank you for sharing, I seem to be in the same place. I look around and everyone seems so busy and on track and I am not sure of my next step. Life seems to be dragging me instead of me know where to go. Thanks for these words

Hi Sharon! I love the imagery of being between the Sea and the Pharoah. Very relatable position for us all! I hope that whatever is causing you to feel uneasy will pass soon, and that the answers and protection you need are given, and quickly! I know that God tests us often, and allows things to happen to make us stronger.

So may you become strong and a faithful witness to His saving power in your life! I know you are one in mine...Columbus Day blessings,Ceil

That is such a beautiful poem, Sharon. It is something to remember that God is always there, even when we are not sure. We let life and its circumstances control us when in reality we should always turn control over to God.

WOW Sharon --- what an excellent poem and love being "a sea" ... but one that He can part and start all over again. So powerful and impactful as always you leave me inspired and whether I am in a Red Sea or not, I always need God to MOVE or move me or move whatever is in the way of His Spirit moving in me! Thank you Sharon for such wisdom and grace, and imparting a new way to see beyond our "Red Seas" and God's aMazing love to move and encourage us.

I absolutely love that poem! It really does speak to me today.Sharon, you have managed to put into words the way I've been feeling lately too. Thank you for helping me to better understand what is going on inside my own addled brain, lol! Blessings and love to you, my friend!

Awesome poem and post! It is amazing how we find comfort in our spirit in the most difficult of times. That's the miracle of our Father that resides within us, otherwise we'd be like the rest of the lost world in search of fulfillment from the outside.

That was a really beautiful poem, Sharon! Thanks for sharing it with us and for linking on Amanda's Books and More! I will say a prayer for you and I'd love for you to pray for me. We need a breakthrough too. God bless!

Good morning, Sharon! A great devotional readin my secret place corner this morning as I wake. I tend to always feel hemmed in by fear and circumstances and you have hit me squad in the eye with your poem. On target! Lord, part my waters so I can cross into all you are calling me to. Fear usually has his buddy, Doubt, with him which I'm mobilizes me. Yep, gotta control when you doubt. Much to chew on through this day as I start another week of the impossible in myself. Love you, milady!Joy!Kathy

Such a valuable reminder. The problem is not our circumstances. The issue is always within ourselves, our hearts. He wants to part the sea and show us who He is! Thanks Sharon and praying His life and peace for you in this day.

Sometimes we find ourselves between a rock and a hard place, but God is still a miracle working God and he will roll back the troubling sea and make a path of dry ground for you to pass on over. Loved your poem and thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.

Sharon, Thank you so much for sharing this poem that came from your own heart's cry. As I read the words, I realized they were my own hearts cry as well...

I was especially convicted and struck by the stanza that said,

"Oh yes, there is somethingthat God wants to move,it's my desire to controlthat He seeks to reprove."

I am in a season of waiting, waiting for the possibility of a huge life change; waiting for inevitable heartache as a joyous season of my life will be ending soon; and waiting on several health situations. As I read your introduction to the poem, I had an ahh haa moment. I have been wondering why I have been so anxious lately. It is because I have been waiting, and I feel "out of control".

Thank you so much for this beautiful reminder that God is in control, that He is my protector, my loving Father, my Saviour.

What a lovely poem! My Bible study is in Exodus at the moment, so this post was very timely. I especially love that first stanza- I often wonder if God sees me... but I trust in His promises and His character and know that He does.

Thanks for sharing this beautiful poem with #SocialButterflySunday! I think God puts us through these times so we remain humble. I am in the midst of some thing right now also, so I understand where you are coming from. It also has us rely on Him. Blessings to you and hope you will link up again this week :)

Wow! Just wow...what a beautiful poem! I love this, and it resonates with me on so many levels right now....seeing a Red Sea in front and feeling the enemy's hot breath from behind. Surely God is teaching lessons through these trials, and I love the way you brought out about Him parting us...doing this work in our hearts. Such a joy to visit here and try to get caught up on my reading!! I love and appreciate you, dear friend. :)

"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

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About Me

I'm a middle-aged, married, Christian woman. I have one wonderful husband, two great adult sons, two awesome daughters-in-law, two precious granddaughters, and an adorable granddog (a beloved beagle!) I consider myself a COLEN ("Change-Of-Life Empty-Nester"). This is a time of transition in my life. Things are changing, and so am I. However, I desire nothing more than to serve my Savior. Please join me on my journey as I walk out my faith in the second half of life!

MY PRAYER

FAITHFUL ONE

"I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name."

Revelation 3:8, NIV

WHY I WRITE

"I write because I don't know what I think until I read what I say.

I write to discover what I know."

- Flannery O'Connor

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"You will bring them in and plant them on your own mountain - the place, O LORD, reserved for your own dwelling, the sanctuary, O Lord, that your hands have established. The LORD will reign forever and ever!"

(Exodus 15:17-18)

"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD...There he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths."

MY WORD FOR 2016

Word origin: 1550's, "pleasing to the mind," also "full of gratitude," from obsolete adj. grate "agreeable, thankful," from Latin gratus "pleasing" – derived from the same word origin as the word "grace."

The trick to changing your behavior is to become more thankful.

The practice of gratitude involves a focus on the present moment, on appreciating your life as it is today and what has made it so.

Let us begin an eternal quest to express in new and creative ways our thanks to God.

So I'm breathing in Your grace,

And I'm breathing out Your praise.

Let our prayers be the overflow of a grateful heart to God.

Three steps in prayer:

PRAISE – praise, reverence, worship, adoration, and awe for who God is and what He does

ASK – honest, earnest, and intense requests

THANK YOU – always end with thanksgiving for everything

Pulpit commentary:

In everything give thanks.

In every circumstance – in joy and in sorrow; for everything – for prosperity and for adversity; in every place – in the house of God and on the bed of sickness.

Christians should not only be engaged in constant prayer, but in constant thanksgiving.

For this – this thankful spirit – is the will of God, His desire.

God by the gift of his Son has laid us under the obligation of perpetual thanksgiving. Our whole lives ought to be one continued thank-offering for all the blessings of redemption.

Gill's Exposition:

Thanks are to be given to him for all things…

For all temporal good things;

for our beings, the preservation of them;

for food and raiment, and all the mercies of life;

for the means of grace, the word and ordinances, and the ministers of the Gospel;

and especially for Jesus Christ, for such a…Saviour, and advocate with the Father, as he is; and for life, peace, joy, comfort, righteousness, and salvation in him.

Thanks should be given to God in every circumstance of life; in adversity, as Job did; when not in so comfortable and agreeable a frame of soul as to be wished for…even under the temptations of Satan…since the grace of God is sufficient to bear up under them, and deliver out of them.

[Give thanks] in afflictions of every kind, since they are all for good – temporal, or spiritual, or eternal.

The enemy specializes in making me feel discontent, unsatisfied, miserable, grumpy, self-focused, negative, and fearful.He brings nothing but suffering and pain – but You, O God, specialize in making megrateful...

TEACH ME YOUR WAY, LORD.

MY VERSE FOR 2016

"Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, AMP)

A PRAYER OF GRATEFULNESS

Dear Lord, I want to change my outlook. I want to transform my spirit. I do not want to go through another day without remembering all that You have given me, and thanking You for it. Please give me the power to be thankful in all things, and for all things, for You are with me in all of it. Let me never forget that You work all things together for good, and for that I am eternally grateful.

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"THE HUB"

MARTY

"All creatures great and small, The Lord God made them all!"

"You care for people and animals alike, O LORD."

(Psalm 36:6)

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."

- Anatole France

JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME...

...yesterday, today, and forever!

A WORD FROM THE WORD

"'I am the LORD; there is no other God. I have equipped you for battle...so all the world from east to west will know there is no other God. I am the LORD, and there is no other.'"

(Isaiah 45:5-6, NLT)

A "MESSAGE" FROM GOD

"'I am honored all over the world. And there are people who know how to worship me all over the world, who honor me...They're saying it everywhere: 'God is greater, this GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies.'"

(Malachi 1:11)

(All verses taken from "The Message" by Eugene H. Peterson)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

How do you cope with distress in your life?

Grateful Word:DISTRESS

"I tell you...if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

(Luke 19:40, NIV)

ON PRAYER

Sometimes I get all messed up when I think about prayer. Sometimes I think I look at it backwards – thinking it's all about me communicating with God. It is that, for sure. But it's also a time for God to communicate with me. It doesn't have to be big and lofty, nor long and pious. It's just two people who dearly love each other seeking conversation and communion.

FAITH

Seeing great miracles does not necessarily lead to great faith. Rather, great faith comes from a deep-seated conviction that God is great.

GRATITUDE

"Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude."

- A. A. Milne

EL ROI

The God Who Sees Me

"Is it your wisdom that makes the hawk soar and spread its wings?"

(Job 39:26)

"I know now, Lord, why you utter no answer. You are yourself the answer. Before your face questions die away. What other answer would suffice?"

(C. S. Lewis, "Till We Have Faces")

PURPLE MOUNTAIN MAJESTY

"From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised."

ASLAN LIVES!

IN HIS EYES

MY OTHER BLOG

(For the complete story about "Bible Pick 'Ems," see my blog entry dated June 29, 2010)

(P.S. Please find references on the "BIBLE PICK 'EMS" Page on this blog!)

NOTE:

(Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, c. 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation)

PEACE LIKE A RIVER

WHAT IS LOVE?

Love is when you are missing some of your teeth but you're not afraid to smile because you know your friends will still love you even though some of you is missing.

By Emma K. - Age 6

"Out of the mouth of babes..."

A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.

Anonymous

When you are uncertain, it helps to have someone remind you what is true – someone who knows you well, who sees you, and keeps track of you – not just your body but your soul.

Emily Freeman

HE IS MY ROCK

"The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust..." (Psalm 18:2)

HOLD FAST

"Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on solid bedrock." (Matthew 7:24-25)

WHEN I AM WEAK, HE IS STRONG

PROMISE FOR THE DAY

TRUST IN ME

YOU ARE NEVER ALONE

I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE

GOD PROTECTS THE CHILDLIKE...

"For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children."(Matthew 19:14)

MEET THE BIBLE

A ONE-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Reading this year from: "The Amplified Bible" by Zondervan and The Lockman Foundation, c. 1987 (revision)

"Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled." (Romans 15:4, NLT)

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NLT)

"The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever." (Isaiah 40:8, NLT)

HOW GREAT THOU ART

"The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship." (Psalm 19:1)

"He counts the stars and calls them all by name. How great is our Lord!...His understanding is beyond comprehension!"

(Psalm 147:4,5)

"Praise the LORD from the heavens! Praise him from the skies!...Praise him, sun and moon! Praise him all you twinkling stars!" (Psalm 148:1,3)

"For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth."

(Psalm 108:4,5)

"Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest heavens. You have done such wonderful things. Who can compare with you, O God?" (Psalm 71:19)

"I alone am God, the First and the Last. It was my hand that laid the foundations of the earth, my right hand that spread out the heavens above. When I call out the stars, they all appear in order." (Isaiah 48:12)

"God made the earth by his power, and he preserves it by his wisdom. With his own understanding he stretched out the heavens. When he speaks in the thunder, the heavens roar with rain. He causes the clouds to rise over the earth. He sends the lightning with the rain and releases the wind from his storehouses." (Jeremiah 10:12-13)

ALL FOR HIS GLORY

I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God.

If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant.

But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by His marvelous grace.

I will commit myself to instruction and listen carefully

to words of knowledge.

I will leave it all in the Lord's hand.

I will trust Him.

For there truly is a reward for those who live for God.

ALL GLORY TO GOD FOREVER AND EVER!! AMEN!

I'D RATHER HAVE JESUS

I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause,

I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause -

I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame,

I’d rather be true to His holy name -

I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead,

I’d rather have Jesus than anything

This world affords today.

"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."

(1 Corinthians 15:58)

THE GLORIFIED ONE

SERVING THE MOST HIGH

Corrie ten Boom once said she was simply, "the skin on the hands of God."

"Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:39)

"And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" (Matthew 25:40)

"'And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.'"

(Matthew 10:42)

"...my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesus - the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God."